Wallace Emerson is a mixed-use residential and industrial area. This is a neighbourhood in transition however, as former industrial land continues to be converted to non-industrial use. Ultimately, these changes are strengthening the residential character and the desirability of the Wallace Emerson neighbourhood.
History of Wallace Emerson
The Wallace Emerson neighbourhood owes its development to the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railway lines which began freight services to this area in the late 1800’s. The railways attracted industries to the Wallace Emerson area which in turn led to the residential development of what historically has been a working class neighbourhood.
Wallace Emerson did not become a clearly defined neighbourhood until 1970. In fact city planners identified it only for the sake of convenience, making reference to the two major cross-streets – Wallace and Emerson – that intersect the middle of this Toronto neighbourhood.
